PolitiFact & Disinformation Reporter

Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is a subscription-led and digitally-focused media and marketing solutions company committed to empowering communities to thrive. With an unmatched reach at the national and local level, Gannett touches the lives of millions with our Pulitzer Prize-winning content, consumer experiences and benefits, and advertiser products and services.

Our current portfolio of media assets includes The USA TODAY NETWORK, which includes USA TODAY, and local media organizations in 43 states in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom. We also own digital marketing services companies under the brand LocaliQ, which provide a cloud-based platform of products to enable small and medium-sized businesses to accomplish their marketing goals. In addition, our portfolio includes one of the largest media-owned events businesses in the U.S., USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures.

Gannett open roles are featured on various external job boards. When applying to a position at Gannett, you should be completing an application on Gannett Careers via Dayforce . Job postings directing you to complete an application on other external sites may not be valid.

To connect with us, visit www.gannett.com

The Austin American-Statesman/ statesman.com , part of the USA TODAY NETWORK is seeking a reporter to produce smart and pointed fact-checks for the Statesman and our other seven Texas newsrooms.

Audiences in the Lone Star State thirst for an independent source of news to quickly determine, with context, what is real and what is not - more so now - as we head deeper into the 2024 election cycle.

Austin is the 10th largest city in the country and the Central Texas region includes some of the fastest growing counties in the United States. We are increasingly a multi-cultural and multi-lingual community, so political messaging is taking all forms. Our reporter will be adept to decipher and uncover where and how the messaging is taking place.

The PolitiFact & Disinformation reporter also would promote their work via social media, personal video standups and in public, through radio and TV appearances, among other venues. This Austin-based reporter would also work with the national PolitiFact office.

PolitiFact is a fact-checking website that rates the accuracy of claims by elected officials and others who speak or issue statements in public life. PolitiFact's core principles are independence, transparency, fairness, thorough reporting, and clear writing. The fact checks are intended to give citizens the information they need to govern themselves in a democracy.

The job requires the reporter to think like a reader and viewer, and spot trends: You have a question? We have the answer.

The job, of course, requires a thick skin, but also an openness to criticism, and a willingness to consider and evaluate all information in a quest to be consistent, accurate and fair. Understanding nuance, producing sober analysis, and treating those we write about with fairness, dignity and respect are paramount.

The reporter will work closely with our Statehouse and City Hall teams, so collaboration is essential to the role. The successful candidate arrives with a sense of urgency, an enthusiasm for growing audiences and the joy knowing that there is no job like covering politics in Texas, y’all.

Responsibilities

• Accurate and clean copy. Creates storytelling that informs, entertains, and engages our current audiences and brings new readers because our work is solid and exclusive.
• Works with our Audience Director and Content Strategist to evaluate what's working and what's not and develops ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
• Collaborates with content team to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e., photos, videos, and graphics). Captures basic photos and video as needed.
• Works to become the community’s leading voice in area of expertise.
• Connects with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, WhatsApp, etc.)
• Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues, on deadline.
• Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
• Provides great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.

Requirements:  

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous work in fact-checking or government coverage is preferred for this position.
• Work samples that demonstrate storytelling techniques on multiple platforms.
• Reporting from the field is a requirement of the job.
• Fluency in Spanish is preferred.
• Proven experience producing accurate reports under deadline pressure, in a style that resonates with mobile and social audiences.
• Proficiency on social media platforms including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok, and Reddit.
• Effective communicator; able to get along with diverse personalities.
• Strong news judgement and ability to multitask.
• Strong writing, spelling, and grammar skills; familiarity with AP style.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer, pre-employment background check, motor vehicle record check and drug screen.

Application Instructions

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order: 

• Your resume – one to two pages.
• A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
• Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role. 

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

#Newsgnt

Gannett Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where Gannett employs employees. In addition, Gannett Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals’ application for employment with Gannett Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact Gannett Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at Recruit@gannett.com.